Avoid Ticks, Mosquitoes In Lorain County This Summer

AVON, OH — Summer is a great season for outdoor activities, swimming at the local pool, going on a picnic, playing tag in a field. Problem is, summer is also peak time for ticks, the blood sucking insects that commonly spread Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes.

“By taking some simple precautions, you can prevent tick bites and Lyme disease and still enjoy time outdoors,” says David Covell, health commissioner at Lorain County Public Health. “Many people in areas of the country make tick checks a daily habit, and it’s time for people across Ohio to get into the same routine.”

Ticks can also be a nuisance to pets, causing animals to get sick and using cats and dogs as transport into a home.

Here are some tips from the Lorain County Health Department to avoid tick bites this summer:

• Avoid tall grass and areas with lots of plants, which are common hiding places for ticks. Walk along the center of trails.
• Wear light-colored clothing. Not only does it keep you cooler, it also makes it easier to find ticks. Also consider tucking your pants into sock tops or boots.
• Make use of bug repellents.
• Always check yourself, kids or pets for ticks after spending time outside.
• If you do walk through tall grass or plants, take a shower or bath to wash off ticks and help you find them easier.

Many of the same tips can be applied to preventing mosquito bites. The Ohio Department of Health said residents should consider spraying clothes with bug repellent, since mosquitoes can bite through thin clothes.

Residents should keep water from accumulating near their house. Standing water can become a hive of mosquito activity.

“You can take some simple precautions at home and when traveling to prevent potentially serious diseases caused by the bite of infected ticks and mosquitoes,” said Ohio Department of Health Medical Director Dr. Clint Koenig.

Koenig said that anyone who gets sick after being bitten by a tick or mosquito should contact their healthcare provider immediately, particularly if they have symptoms like a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint
pain, muscle aches, fatigue or a rash.

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